Abstract: A support cushion liner includes a liner body having a cavity disposed between an outer layer and an inner layer and a plurality of artificial muscles disposed in the cavity of the liner body. Each of the plurality of artificial muscles include a housing having an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, a dielectric fluid housed within the housing, and an electrode pair positioned in the electrode region of the housing. The electrode pair includes a first electrode fixed to a first surface of the housing and a second electrode fixed to a second surface of the housing. The electrode pair is actuatable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state such that actuation from the non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region, expanding the expandable fluid region thereby applying pressure to the outer layer of the liner body.

Abstract: An air pump with automatic stop of inflation and deflation includes a housing provided with a first air inlet/outlet and a second air inlet/outlet. The inside of the housing is provided with a knob mechanism, an inflation and deflation linkage and an air channel switching mechanism which is connected to the product to be inflated or deflated through the second air inlet/outlet. The inflation and deflation linkage controls the air channel switching mechanism to be operatively connected to the knob mechanism which controls the displacement of the air channel switching mechanism so as to be communicated with the product to achieve inflation or deflation or not to be communicated with the product to achieve automatic stop of inflation or deflation.

Abstract: An electronic device displays a user interface that includes a plurality of controls for adjusting parameters of a user interface element, including a first control and a second control for adjusting a first parameter and a second parameter of the user interface element, respectively. In response to receiving a single input directed to the first control, the device updates an appearance of the first control to indicate that the first control is navigating through a plurality of values of the first parameter, generates a plurality of tactile outputs corresponding to updates in the appearance of the first control; and changes a value of the first parameter for the user interface element based on the single input. In response to receiving a single input directed to the first control, a similar set of operations are performed with respect to the second parameter of the user interface element.

Abstract: The technical solution relates to a mattress for a hospital bed, e.g.: to a therapeutic inflatable mattress and to the improvement of the control system with the help of a detection system comprising a contact member and a valve for optimizing the air pressure in response to the weight distribution and position of the patient on the mattress.

Abstract: A patient immersion sensor includes a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) apparatus to determine a time of flight (TOF) of a RADAR pulse and a reflected signal that is reflected by a patient or by a portion of a patient support surface supporting the patient. The TOF is indicative of an immersion depth or a distance toward bottoming out of a patient supported on the patient support surface, such as a mattress or a pad. The RADAR apparatus emits pulses of very short duration so as to be able to detect objects, such as a patient or a portion of a mattress or pad, at very close distances. The RADAR apparatus may use time-of-flight (TOF) between transmission of the pulse and receipt of a reflected signal to determine a distance toward bottoming out by the patient, thereby to determine if the patient is properly immersed into the patient support surface.

Abstract: A bed apparatus includes: a mattress mounted on a bed body; and, first cells arranged on both left and right sides in a longitudinal direction of the bed body and is configured to change the body position of a patient on the mattress by inflating the first cells alternately. When the first cells on the left and right sides are inflated, and when a difference in pressure between the first cells on the left and right sides has continuously fallen within a decision pressure value range for a decision pressure value continuation time, the body position of the patient is changed, whereas when the difference has not continuously fallen within the pressure value range for the continuation time or when the difference has continuously fallen out of the pressure value range for the continuation time, change of the body position of the patient will not be performed.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion comprising; a cover; a base; a communication device; a microcontroller; a power source; a gas pump; a primary tube; a blow off valve; two-way valves; a plurality of secondary tubes; and a plurality of bladder pods with pressure sensors.

Abstract: A low air loss mattress to provide a variable pressure to an individual who is confined to a bed. The mattress has an air plenum and a motor driven blower to inflate the air plenum. The blower is housed within a pull-out and interchangeable pump cartridge that is received within a pump cartridge receptacle inside the mattress. The pump cartridge is removable from the pump cartridge receptacle to permit the blower to be repaired or replaced without having to discard the mattress. Ambient air is supplied to the blower by way of a tuned air pump inlet path that winds between a pair of sound absorbing blocks. Air is blown front the blower to the air plenum by way of a tuned air manifold that is located inside the mattress to inflate the air plenum. Bluetooth compatible sensors located inside the mattress are responsive to physical parameters to which the mattress is subjected.

Abstract: Active comfort controlled bedding systems and processes include an air blower assembly for variable climate control. The air blower assembly generally includes a unidirectional air blower configured to flow air to and from a mattress surface overlaying the bucket assembly.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base frame, lift mechanism supporting an upper frame relative to the base frame, a load frame, and a plurality of deck sections, a patient support surface, and a number of barriers positioned about the patient supporting surface. The patient support apparatus includes a notification system for visually notifying a caregiver of a condition or status of a component of the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: An endoskeleton elastomer that variably impacts the mattress firmness head-to-toe is described. The elastomer fills voids cut into the foam using contour cutting or spherical cap-shaped cutouts. The elastomer is poured as a hot liquid into the voids, and cools to a solid elastomer. The specific incarnation involves the creation of a set of parallel inclusions at the center of the mattress or a set of spherical cap-shaped cutouts that help prop up the hip area to maintain proper spinal alignment by firming the center of the mattress. The depth, width, shape, spacing, elastomer durometer, and location (both head-to-toe and depth in the mattress) may be varied to impact firmness in any desired manner. The mattress may also include a series of horizontal-oriented cutouts that are cut into various portions of the mattress layers. These cutouts may extend along the width of the mattress and may be placed at portions of the top and portions of the bottom of the mattress.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides a modular mattress system wherein the mattress surface may be adjusted for positioning of a user's body. The mattress system deploys a number of interconnected mattress cells. The mattress cells may have varying characteristics, and combinations of mattress cells may be interconnected to form a complete mattress. The proximal surface is formed of padding material and collectively form the entire mattress surface when connected. At least one actuator is mechanically coupled to padding material and an actuator controller in communication therewith directs movement of the actuator to position the padding material. A mattress cell communication interface is communicably coupled to the actuator controller and configured to communicably couple with at least one external device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a bed assembly. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a bed assembly that is compatible with a traditional consumer bed and can enhance the traditional consumer bed so it provides features of a traditional hospital bed.

Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat can be configured to releasably secure to a top of a bed assembly.

Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat can be configured to releasably secure to a top of a bed assembly.

Abstract: Active comfort controlled bedding systems include a variable firmness control and/or variable climate control.

Abstract: A support apparatus configured to support a person is provided. The support apparatus includes a top surface including one or more predetermined areas, one or more conduits located inside the support apparatus which are located proximate to the one or more predetermined areas, and an air supply configured to provide air to the one or more conduits for delivering to the one or more predetermined areas. The air supply includes a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the air provided by the air supply, a cooling element, and a controller communicatively coupled to the temperature sensor and the cooling element. The controller determines whether the measured temperature of the air is higher than a predetermined temperature, and controls the cooling element to cool the air to the predetermined temperature if it is determined that the temperature of the air is higher than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A mattress for patient care. The mattress includes a number of compressible cells and a number of sensors corresponding to the number of compressible cells. Each compressible cell is configured to contact, when inflated, a user in a contact area of a plurality of contact areas of the user. Each sensor is configured to generate a number of measurements, wherein each measurement relates to the contact area of a corresponding compressible cell. Each sensor is further configured to send the number of measurements to a pressure control device.

Abstract: Sleep systems having embedded sensors are described. In one aspect, a sleep system includes a mattress and one or more force sensors embedded within the mattress. The force sensors are positioned within the mattress to sense movement of an occupant of the mattress. The sleep system also includes one or more processors coupled with the one or more force sensors. At least one of the processors is configured to determine sleep state information for the occupant based on data obtained from one or more of the force sensors.

Abstract: A mattress overlay apparatus is provided for use with a mattress. The mattress overlay apparatus includes an overlay configured for placement atop the mattress and having a plurality of inflatable bladders, a blower, and first and second rotary plate valves pneumatically coupled to the plurality of bladders and the blower. The first and second rotary plate valves are arranged in series between the plurality of bladders and the blower. The first and second rotary plate valves and the blower are operated to provide the overlay with percussion and vibration (P&V), left and right turn assist, and microclimate management (MCM) functionality.

Abstract: A single-knob air pump includes a housing provided with a first air inlet/outlet and a second air inlet/outlet; an air extracting mechanism arranged in the housing; fan blades of the air extracting mechanism arranged in a fan blade chamber provided with an air inlet and an air outlet; an air channel switching mechanism arranged near the fan blade chamber and provided with an air inlet and an air outlet; the air channel switching mechanism operatively connected to a knob mechanism which can control the displacement of the air channel switching mechanism; the second air inlet/outlet provided with an air valve mechanism capable of closing or opening the second air inlet/outlet; and an ejector rod mechanism capable of closing or opening the second air inlet/outlet through the air valve mechanism under the action of the air channel switching mechanism arranged between the air valve mechanism and the air channel switching mechanism.

Abstract: An electronically controllable pillow is thermally regulated. At least one temperature sensor is configured to communicate temperature measurements. Temperature measurements comprise the internal temperature of a pillow. Temperature measurements are communicated to a processing unit. At least one presence sensor is configured to communicate presence measurements. Presence measurements are configured to indicate the presence of a user employing a pillow. Presence measurements are communicated to a processing unit. At least one transceiver is connected to a processing unit. A transceiver is configured to communicate with at least one remote device. At least one thermal element is activated, based at least in part on, temperature measurements and presence measurements over at least one period of time.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a microclimate system includes a support surface, an air box, and an immersion sensor. The support surface is configured to support a patient and conduct air along a surface of the support surface so that heat and moisture from a patient lying on the support surface are drawn away from the surface. The air box includes a blower coupled to the support surface to provide airflow to the support surface. The immersion sensor is configured to detect the immersion of the patient into the support surface.

Abstract: A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user's body in an alternating manner.

Abstract: An inflation identification connector and an air mattress system having the same is provided. The inflation identification connector is insertable into a connection seat of a gas delivery host. The connection seat has a light detection component coupled to a controller disposed in the gas delivery host. The inflation identification connector includes a body and an identification structure. The detection result of the light detection component depends on the identification structure and thus is conducive to identification. Upon its insertion into the connection seat, the inflation identification connector is identified by the gas delivery host, enhancing ease of use and protecting manual operation against mistakes. The gas delivery host is not only applicable to different types of air mattresses but also conducive to streamlined management of the air mattress system and reduction of management costs and risks.

Abstract: A deformation sensing sensor as disclosed includes a conductive material inside the body thereof such that, by sensing a change in resistance or capacitance resulting from a deformation, a degree of deformation of the measurement object can be detected. The body includes an elastic layer, which has a corrugation formed on one surface thereof, and a conductive layer, which is formed on the other surface of the elastic layer using a conductive material. When the body is deformed in the lateral direction of the surface on which the corrugation is formed, the change in resistance of the conductive layer before and after the deformation, or the change in capacitance thereof is measured, thereby detecting the degree of deformation of the measurement object.

Abstract: A pump unit includes a pump housing having a valve assembly positioned on a wall thereof and adapted to be coupled to an inflatable device, and an air control assembly that is housed inside the pump housing. The air control assembly includes an impeller section that houses an impeller, and has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air control assembly further includes a motor housing that houses a motor, the motor housing having an air vent that communicates the interior of the motor housing with the air inlet and the air outlet, and a vent opening that communicates the interior of the motor housing to the environment. The air outlet is aligned with the valve assembly when the pump unit is operated in the inflation mode, and the air inlet is aligned with the valve assembly when the pump unit is operated in the deflation mode.

Abstract: A system and method to reduce pressure on selected areas on a body include an array of programmable supports and at least one sensor to detect a physical property of the body. Each programmable support of the array of programmable supports includes an adjustable member and a mechanism to adjust the length of the adjustable member based on the detected physical property of the body.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base frame, lift mechanism supporting an upper frame relative to the base frame, a load frame, and a plurality of deck sections, a patient support surface, and a number of barriers positioned about the patient supporting surface. The patient support apparatus includes a notification system for visually notifying a caregiver of a condition or status of a component of the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided an air mat device comprising a mat unit that has an air cell; an air supply and exhaust unit that supplies air to the air cell and exhausts the air from the air cell; and a control unit that acquires a state change quantity of the air cell or a time required for a state change of the air cell, as a control reference value, and that controls the air supply and exhaust unit in accordance with the control reference value. There is also provided an internal pressure control method of an air cell according to the above configuration.

Abstract: Sleep systems having embedded sensors are described. In one aspect, a sleep system includes a mattress and one or more force sensors embedded within the mattress. The force sensors are positioned within the mattress to sense movement of an occupant of the mattress. The sleep system also includes one or more processors coupled with the one or more force sensors. At least one of the processors is configured to determine sleep state information for the occupant based on data obtained from one or more of the force sensors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring pressure exerted on an individual at one or more points by a support structure and adjusting the support structure in response to the monitored pressure are disclosed. The method for monitoring pressure may include the step of periodically receiving with at least three radio frequency readers, localized contact pressure data from a radio frequency addressable sensor placed on an individual. The method may further include, when an adjustment is required, calculating a radial distance defining a radius of the radio frequency addressable sensor to the at least three radio frequency readers, and calculating an intersection location or overlap of the radii such that the location of the radio frequency addressable sensor is determined. The method may also include, when the location of the radio frequency addressable sensor is determined, adjusting cells within a zone or subzone corresponding to the location.

Abstract: A method of individually pressurizing a plurality of air tubes includes the steps of providing a sealed tube body, a pressure sensor, an inlet/outlet valve for each of the plurality of air tubes, a control unit, and an air circulation system. The steps also involve retrieving an initial pressure setting for each of the plurality of air tubes with the control unit; measuring a current pressure within the sealed body; comparing the initial pressure setting to the current pressure for each of the plurality of air tubes; opening the inlet/outlet valve of an off-pressure tube and pumping air into the sealed tube body of the off-pressure tube with the air circulation system, if the current pressure is lower than the initial pressure setting; and opening the inlet/outlet valve of the off-pressure tube and releasing air out of the sealed tube body of the off-pressure tube with the air circulation system, if the current pressure is higher that the initial pressure setting.

Abstract: For each air cell, air is supplied and discharged through one of three lines independent of one another, every third cell being connected to the common line. The control unit controls inflation and deflation of air cells in turn in such an alternate manner that first the pressure of air in the air cells on the first line is increased and decreased, secondly the pressure of air in the air cells on the second line is increased and decreased, then the pressure of air in the air cells on the third line is increased and decreased. Thereafter, when the back tilt angle of the back bottom has reached a predetermined angle or greater, the control unit increases the pressure of air cells whose pressure is being lowered at that moment so as to produce an inflated mode similar to that of the other air cells. Then, while the back bottom is being raised, the control unit performs an inflation and deflation control of individual lines alternately on a cycle shorter than that in a normal control mode.

Abstract: An electronically controllable pillow is thermally regulated. At least one temperature sensor is configured to communicate temperature measurements. Temperature measurements comprise the internal temperature of a pillow. Temperature measurements are communicated to a processing unit. At least one presence sensor is configured to communicate presence measurements. Presence measurements are configured to indicate the presence of a user employing a pillow. Presence measurements are communicated to a processing unit. At least one transceiver is connected to a processing unit. A transceiver is configured to communicate with at least one remote device. At least one thermal element is activated, based at least in part on, temperature measurements and presence measurements over at least one period of time.

Abstract: A medical air mattress has a mattress body and an upper bedspread. The mattress body is formed by multiple air cells including independent air cells parallelly arranged as an air cell row. The upper bedspread covers the mattress body. The independent air cells are connected to the independent deflating unit to be deflated independently. When the patient needs to use the bedpan, the independent air cells are deflated to form a recess for receiving the bedpan so that the patient needs not to move.

Abstract: An air bag module of inflatable mattress is disclosed. The inflatable mattress is provided with a lining for the air bag module to be placed therein, and a resilience supplying module being placed in the lining and resting on the air bag module. The air bag module includes at least one air bag unit. The air bag unit is provided with an air distribution layer and a hardness adjustment layer connected with the air distribution layer while located between the air distribution layer and the resilience supplying module. In the air distribution layer, air is inputted into each distributing air bag equally via intercommunication of distributing air bags, such that air from the distributing air bags is consistently received by each supporting air bag of the hardness adjustment layer. Thus, the problem of uneven surface of bed due to non-uniform inflation in the conventional structure is solved.

Abstract: A traveling wave air mattress apparatus includes an air mattress comprised of an array of laterally disposed, longitudinally spaced air bladder cells that are individually inflatable to quiescent pressure levels which provide comfortable support for a human body, and an air pressure-pulse generator controlled by a wave sequence generator for periodically introducing into sequences of the air bladder cells timed sequences of air pressure pulses which vary pressures in the cells from quiescent pressures, the air pressure variations resulting in leading and lagging soliton-like traveling waves of body support force variation which travel longitudinally over the surfaces of the pulsed air bladder cells, thus inhibiting formation of bedsores. The wave patterns may optionally simulate water waves and/or rocking motions of a boat to produce relaxing effects.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to an underbody support for supporting a body of a being, such as during surgery to prevent contact pressure injuries. In certain embodiments, the underbody support may include one or more inflatable chambers enclosing a volume. At least one of the inflatable chambers may include one or more compression sensitive switches for monitoring the volume of the inflatable chamber, and the one or more compression sensitive switches may be located within the inflatable chamber. In some embodiments the one or more compression sensitive switches are sized to close when the said inflatable chamber is deflated to a desired residual volume.

Abstract: Sleep systems having embedded sensors are described. In one aspect, a sleep system includes a mattress and one or more force sensors embedded within the mattress. The force sensors are positioned within the mattress to sense movement of an occupant of the mattress. The sleep system also includes one or more processors coupled with the one or more force sensors. At least one of the processors is configured to determine sleep state information for the occupant based on data obtained from one or more of the force sensors.

Abstract: Support device for supporting a body or a part of a body, in particular of a human body, comprising at least one deformable element with a first face and a second face opposite each other and provided with at least one detection means for detecting deformations of said deformable element, in which the detection means comprises: a substrate sheet (20), which is connected to one of the faces of said deformable element (6) extending parallel thereto and is provided with a plurality of metal windings (19) formed flat on at least one face of this substrate sheet, and a plurality of metal pellets (28), which are connected to the other face of said deformable element.

Abstract: A support platform for body treatment that includes a resilient pad, a cushion movable along a guide passageway in the resilient pad, and a control assembly movable with the cushion to control the position of the cushion to accommodate body parts of a person being treated on the support platform.

Abstract: In one example, this disclosure describes a method including determining, at a central controller of an air mattress system, whether a user is present on a mattress of the air mattress system, initiating a timer in response to determining that the user is present on the mattress, enabling a light control feature of the air mattress system upon determining that the user is present on the mattress after expiration of the timer, and after enabling the light control feature, transmitting, from the central controller, at least one instruction to turn on at least one light of the air mattress system in response to determining that the user is no longer present on the mattress.

Abstract: A patient support includes a bladder layer with a plurality of bladders, a pneumatic supply system, and a plurality of tubes in fluid communication with pneumatic supply system. The tubes are coupled to and guided by the bladder layer so that the tubes and bladder layer may remain in close registry when being handled, for example, either during the assembly process or cleaning process.

Abstract: A method and system may include transmitting a signal to a pump of an air mattress to set the pressure of the air mattress to an initial pressure; receiving, at a central controller, a user preference condition for an automatic adjustment of the pressure in the air mattress; receiving, at the central controller, an indication that the air mattress is empty; and based on determining that the user preference condition has been met and receiving the indication: detecting a change in the pressure of the air mattress beyond a threshold value; and based on the detection, adjusting the pressure of the air mattress to the initial pressure.

Abstract: Provided is an air mattress in which internal pressure can be controlled according to the movements of a bed. The air mattress is provided with a plurality of air cell groups lined up in the lengthwise direction of the air mattress, each of which groups is made from a plurality of bladder-shaped cells; an air supply/release pump; and an air tube connecting the air cell groups and the air supply/release pump in an independent system for each air cell group of two or more air cell groups out of said air cell groups. Air supply/release by the air supply/release pump to each of the air cell groups is controlled by a controller, at least a part of information needed to control the bed is received from an external sensor for detecting such information, and air supply/release by the air supply/release pump for each of the air cell groups is controlled on the basis of the received information.

Abstract: Sleep systems having embedded sensors are described. In one aspect, a sleep system includes a mattress and one or more force sensors embedded within the mattress. The force sensors are positioned within the mattress to sense movement of an occupant of the mattress. The sleep system also includes one or more processors coupled with the one or more force sensors. At least one of the processors is configured to determine sleep state information for the occupant based on data obtained from one or more of the force sensors.

Abstract: A system includes a fluid controller coupled to an inflatable bladder and configured to add fluid to and remove fluid from the inflatable bladder, a control unit configured to provide information used by the fluid controller to adjust the pressurization of the inflatable bladder, the control unit including a user interface configured to display a plurality of indicia corresponding to a range of pressure levels in which the inflatable bladder is employed by a user, where each of the plurality of indicia is associated with a different level of pressure of the inflatable bladder, respectively. In one embodiment, the fluid controller is configured to adjust the pressurization, in response to a user input at the user interface, to a pressure level selected by the user based on a current pressure level of the inflatable bladder, the pressure level selected by the user and an operating time of the fluid controller.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes an inflatable support structure that varies in size as a frame of the patient support apparatus varies in size. The inflatable support structure includes a bladder assembly and bias members that urge the bladder assembly to a collapsed configuration during deflation of the bladder assembly.

Abstract: A method for monitoring pressure at one or more points on an individual and automatically adjusting one or more sections of a support structure. The method includes periodically receiving pressure data from one or more radio frequency addressable sensors placed on an individual; determining, based on the received pressure data, whether an adjustment in the support structure is required; systematically adjusting cells located within the plurality of zones, one zone at a time, until an improvement in pressure data is indicated. If an improvement in pressure data is indicated for a zone, systematically adjusting cells within the plurality of subzones for that zone, one subzone at a time, until an improvement in pressure data is indicated. If an improvement in pressure data is indicated for a subzone, systematically adjusting cells in that subzone, one cell at a time, until an improvement in pressure data is indicated.